MacDameon,
Yes, and that's a major differentiating point between providing and conveying mere knowledge and information to our students. Understanding creates limitless possibilities.
Barry Westling
I teach at a career college, and I tend to teach how I need to learn. I have never been afraid to admit a mistake, and encourage my students to do the same, I tell them that's what they learn from, they won't remember what they got right on the 1st try, but they will remember what they needed to work at when they got it wrong.
Sue,
This is sound advice, and I'm sure your students appreciate your honesty and sincerity.
Barry Westling
This is very important to know yourself and your capability and weaknesses then you can deal with yourself and improve your weaknesses.
I agree that you have to take a step back and do a self-evaluation of your teaching skills on a regular basis in order to improve on weaknesses. I believe it is helpful to put yourself in the student's role.
Understanding myself as an instructor gives me the the insight on preparing for,leading class discussions, etc. My educational background is from a private university. I did not have multiple choice questions for exams...all essay. I am having trouble gearing my study question handouts for multiple choice exams. I guess I need to be very specific with my questions???? I am so used to saying "tell me what you know about the inflammation process."
Nancy,
Essay could be done as a homework assignment, and perhaps, more weight put on homework as a grading component.
Barry Westling
It allows you to see how the students see you and it will highlight areas that are strong and areas that you could improve on. Sometimes these are small things, but they can make a big difference in how smooth the class goes and how quickly the students will get what your trying to get across to them.
Good point. I have often wondered how I look through someone else's eyes if I were a student. I think every instructor should be video taped during there lecture or lab and then be forced to watch it. I think we all could learn alot from that.
@barryw : I find it is important to know myself so I can see how my students will perceive me. I want to present myself in a certain light, and the key to my presentation is understanding myself. I can then play on what I know to be my strengths, and also address my weaknesses and develop better as an instructor.
An instructor needs to understand themselves and how they work to better help their students. What are our strengths and their weak points. What are my skills and how can I apply them to adaptive learning. How can I best help my students by my best performances?
An instructor needs to understand themselves and how they work to better help their students. What are our strengths and their weak points. What are my skills and how can I apply them to adaptive learning. How can I best help my students by my best performances?
